Manu Bhaker, a dual medalist from the Paris 2024 Olympics, is deeply saddened by the absence of her name from the list of candidates for the esteemed Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award. At just 22 years old, Bhaker made history as the first Indian athlete of the post-Independence era to secure more than one Olympic medal, earning bronze in both the individual and mixed 10m air pistol events. Although she narrowly missed a third medal by finishing fourth in the 25m pistol event, her accomplishments have nonetheless marked a significant milestone for India.

Despite her remarkable achievements, Bhaker was excluded from the shortlist of candidates recommended by the sports ministry to the government. Following the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, all seven Indian athletes who returned with medals were honored with the Khel Ratna award; however, this precedent did not extend to Bhaker or the majority of medalists from Paris. Only Harmanpreet Singh and para-athlete Praveen Kumar from the Olympic and Paralympic teams were included among the twelve shortlisted candidates.

A source close to Bhaker informed TOI, "Manu mentioned that she had submitted her application through the portal. If that is accurate, then the committee must have taken her name into consideration. Regardless of the circumstances, the federation has reached out to the ministry, urging officials to reconsider her inclusion."

Typically, candidates must submit their names to be eligible for the award, but given the significance of Bhaker's achievements in Paris, her selection should have been automatic. The fact that she has not been shortlisted, despite her application, has left both her and her father in a state of distress.

Manu and her father upset

The government ought to acknowledge her contributions. I had a conversation with Manu, who expressed her disappointment regarding the situation. She remarked, "I regret participating in the Olympics and winning medals for my country. In fact, I question my decision to pursue a career in sports," as conveyed by her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, to The Times of India.

The criticism is not limited to Bhaker alone. Numerous Indian sports enthusiasts have also expressed their discontent with the decision, prompting the sports ministry to reevaluate it. According to a report by the TOI, it appears that Bhaker may ultimately be denied the Khel Ratna Award in light of recent developments.

Beyond her Olympic participation, Bhaker's accomplishments are arguably unparalleled. Between the Tokyo and Paris Games, Manu has secured 17 gold medals, six silver medals, and five bronze medals in various shooting competitions, including the Shooting World Championship, the Shooting World Cup, the 2023 Asian Games, and the Junior World Championships, among others.

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